CABLE cars could be installed in a Somerset village after a company revealed it will hold public consultations to discuss the possibility later this month.
The Longleat Estate, which owns and manages Cheddar Gorge, is currently considering a range of regeneration options for the gorge, one of which is a cable car system running up through the cliffs.
An exhibition of the proposals will be held at the Bath Arms Hotel in Cheddar from March 8-10.
A spokesman for the estate, owned by Lord Bath, said: “Longleat is currently considering a range of potential regeneration projects, including the possibility of a cable car and education centre, with the aim of creating a significant new attraction for the area.
“Such a project would help to support ongoing conservation work and make the gorge more accessible to all visitors. It would also provide better educational facilities and bring significant economic benefits to businesses and employers.”
David Bradley, chief executive of Longleat Estate said: “Cheddar Gorge is an outstanding attraction which in its heyday attracted many visitors.
“We want to breathe new life into Cheddar by creating new features, including the possibility of a cable car, which will attract more visitors and help to secure its future as well as benefitting the local economy.
“We are mindful that the gorge lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and our team of consultants will be working closely with all the advisory groups and regulatory bodies to ensure that our proposals have minimal impact on the environment.”
Next week’s consultations are the first of two phases of public discussions, with the second currently set for summer, after initial investigations into the impact of any proposals have taken place.
A formal planning application will be submitted later this year.
The exhibition will be open from 3.30–6.30pm on March 8, 3.30–7pm on March 9 and from 10am to 2pm on March 10.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to discuss concerns and they and talk to representatives from Longleat.
An online consultation is also available at www.cheddargorge.co.uk
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